Gasser eager to help teammates, frustrated to be sidelined

Madison – Josh Gasser, whose most serious physical setback was an ankle injury he suffered the summer before his senior year of high school, knew almost immediately he had torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

“I heard it pop so I kind of knew right away,” Wisconsin’s junior guard said after practice Tuesday. “I planted off it and heard it pop.”

Gasser suffered the injury during practice on Saturday and will miss the entire season. His surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday and he will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.

Meeting with reporters for the first time since suffering the injury, Gasser explained he has accepted that his roles this season will be that of cheerleader, mentor and volunteer assistant coach.

He insisted the trio of George Marshall, Traevon Jackson and Ben Brust will be able to handle the offense in his absence.

“We’re not going to skip a beat,” he said. “The big thing I think we’re going to miss is a vocal guy at the guard position.”

Gasser's comments came on a day Marshall buried six consecutive jumpers, including 5 three-pointers. Gasser spoke enthusiastically about Jackson's potential as a defender.

"When he wants to, he can be one of the better defenders on our team," Gasser said. "He is willing to do it. He's just got to be willing to do it for 30 minutes, 25 minutes a game, whatever it is going to be."

Yet when Gasser began talking about missing the chance to play this season, particularly with seniors Jared Berggren, Ryan Evans and Mike Bruesewitz, the emotion on his face and in his voice was palpable.

“I’ve built such great relationships with the seniors, Jared, Mike and Ryan especially,” he said. “I was really excited to get to play with them and help them their reach their goal.

“Because this is their last go-around. Not to be out there with them, it’s killing me.

“I know I’ve got two years left. They’ve only got one. And I don’t get to help them out. That is the frustrating part.”

Gasser has also embraced the reality that as much as he can contribute to the team from the sideline, it won't be enough.

"Every day, every game there is going to be something I am missing out on," he said. "Obviously there are going to be ups and downs every year. The great thing is to be a part of the team and to talk with them about it and be a part of it with them no matter what you're going through.

"That's going to be the hardest part this year. I'm obviously part of the team. But are you really? You don't know. We'll see."